Reflecting on the Principles of Indigenous Education

Principle #2:

Given the gaps that exist in our own learning, some personal responsibility must be taken by everyone in the system to learn and unlearn.

Personal Reflection

1. What are some gaps that exist in your own learning when it comes to Indigenous education?

2. What do you need to unlearn?

3. What does shared responsibility and shared leadership look like in your school or department? 

4. How can you contribute to broad-based collective action?

5. How do you demonstrate personal responsibility every day to learn and unlearn for the purpose of social change?

To help begin to close learning gaps, create a personal monthly reading and learning schedule using the resources recommended by the Indigenous Education Department.

Principle #3:

Indigenous education is for all students in all schools. Every KPRDSB employee plays a role in realizing this goal.

Personal Reflection

1. How do you learn about Indigenous Education? 

2. To see the connection between your role and Indigenous Education more clearly, where can you go for help? (Hint: The Indigenous Education Department is a good place to start.)

3. What part can you play in the shift to shared leadership and shared ownership?

Consider the Holistic Approach to Indigenous Education. What do you need to do to prepare the soil?

Principle #4:

We walk alongside Indigenous communities in bringing this learning to our students. Authentic voice is important.

Personal Reflection

1. What do you know about the Indigenous communities connected to KPR? 

2. How do you ensure that you are centering an authentic voice (even in your resources)?

3. What does it mean to walk alongside? How would you describe your current situation when it comes to bringing this learning to students?

Principle #5:

In making decisions about how Indigenous Education happens in our schools, we respect the principle of “Nothing about us without us”.

Personal Reflection 

1. When considering your practice, how will you identify that Indigenous voices are missing? 

2. Consider when to include Indigenous voices in your practice- how are you intentionally including authentic voices any time you engage in Indigenous Education in any way? 

3. When developing a program, learning opportunity, policy or communication to the system, ask yourself how Indigenous voices have been included at every step of the process. If Indigenous voices haven’t been included, consider reflecting on why, to ensure better representation moving forward.

Principle #6:

Indigenous Education is more than learning about the history of the relationship between Indigenous people and settlers on this land. It values current Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing.

Personal Reflection

1. What do you know about the First Nation, Metis, and Inuit people who currently live in your territory?

2. How have you engaged in the Passport to Reconciliation as a way to learn more about current Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing?

3. Have you reflected on the role of Elders and Traditional Knowledge holders in the classroom? 

4. What is your role in actively creating a sense of belonging for Indigenous students, families, and staff?

Principle #7:

Indigenous education acknowledges the primacy of relationship to the land and to each other, and recognizes that Indigenous languages are integral to these relationships.

Personal Reflection

1. What do you know about Land Acknowledgements? This professional development can support your learning.

2. What learning have you done about Indigenous Languages? How will you support Indigenous language learning in your practice? This link has a wealth of information for you.

Slide Deck Reflection with the KPR Principles of Indigenous Education for Staff

Use this worksheet below to refect on how you will bring these principles to life in your work. Page 1 is blank for your notes. Page 2 provides some examples.